Southern California -- this just in

After threat by Anonymous hackers, Fullerton cops take precautions

August 14, 2011 | 8:56
am

Fullerton police say they are taking security measures after the hacker-activist group Anonymous threatened cyber attacks in response to the death of homeless man Kelly Thomas during a confrontation with officers.

The city said Saturday night it had deployed its information technology staff to secure computers and electronic communications and monitor the systems for any intrusions.

"Like most municipalities we are very electronically integrated and have a significant number of computers and computer systems," Fullerton Police Department Sgt. Andrew Goodrich said. "It's definitely something we are taking seriously and doing everything we can to make sure our facilities are secure."

No sabotage or disruptions have been detected, Goodrich said.

In a letter sent to the police department and distributed on the Internet, Anonymous said "Operation Fullerton" would avenge the death of Thomas by treating the department's technology systems "with as much mercy as was shown Kelly Thomas."

"This is not just a brutal attack against another human being, but an attack against human rights," the rambling letter says, demanding the prosecution of the five Fullerton officers reportedly involved in the beating of Thomas during a routine check on a car break-in report.